Naples → Palermo by ferry
The classic overnight crossing: board around 20:00, sleep in a cabin, dock in Palermo at breakfast. Cabins from ~€90 for two — compare that with a hotel night plus a flight.
Who runs this route
| Operator | Type | Where to book |
|---|---|---|
| GNV / Tirrenia ferryGNV, Tirrenia | Overnight ferry | Ferryhopper |
Check live times & fares
Compare Trenitalia and Italo in one search — prices rise as seats sell.
Timetable at a glance
Services run nightly (GNV / Tirrenia), first departure around 20:00 and last around 20:30. Exact times shift with the seasonal timetable — treat these as planning anchors and confirm the day before you travel.
Buying tickets: when and where
Cabins sell out in summer — book at least a few weeks ahead for July and August crossings. Deck (seat) passage is usually available last-minute.
Tickets are digital — show the QR code from the app or a printout. On Regionale services with paper tickets, validate in the green machines before boarding. High-speed and Intercity tickets are train-specific; Regionale tickets are flexible within their validity window.
The stations
Napoli Centrale
Circumvesuviana trains to Pompeii and Sorrento leave from the lower level (Garibaldi).
Palermo Centrale
Buses and the airport train (Punta Raisi) leave from the same complex.
Alternatives, honestly compared
The overnight ferry replaces both a hotel night and a flight. Flying Naples–Palermo takes 55 minutes plus airports; the ferry docks you in the city centre at breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Naples to Palermo?
The typical journey time is about 10 h (overnight). Frequency: nightly (GNV / Tirrenia).
How much does the Naples to Palermo ferry cost?
Tickets cost from €45.00; prices on this route are largely fixed.
Which stations does the Naples–Palermo ferry use?
Ferries leave from the port of Naples (Molo Angioino, opposite Castel Nuovo) and dock in the port of Palermo, a short walk from the old town.
Do I need to book in advance?
Cabins sell out in summer — book at least a few weeks ahead for July and August crossings. Deck (seat) passage is usually available last-minute.
What is the first and last departure?
First departure around 20:00, last around 20:30 — exact times vary by day, check before travel.
Is the ferry the best way to get from Naples to Palermo?
The classic overnight crossing: board around 20:00, sleep in a cabin, dock in Palermo at breakfast. Cabins from ~€90 for two — compare that with a hotel night plus a flight.